San Antonio Unified Development Code Section 35-523 protects significant trees six inches DBH and larger and heritage trees 24 inches and larger, with elevated mitigation multipliers for native live oak, post oak, bald cypress, and pecan. It is among the strongest tree-preservation ordinances in Texas.
UDC Section 35-523 (Tree Preservation) protects all significant trees six inches DBH and larger and heritage trees 24 inches DBH and larger on commercial, multifamily, and undeveloped sites. Single-family lots receive partial exemption. Native species including live oak, post oak, bald cypress, pecan, and cedar elm carry elevated mitigation multipliers from 1:1 to 3:1 caliper-inch replacement, with heritage removals often requiring board-of-adjustment approval. The City Arborist within Development Services reviews tree-affidavit submittals before clearing or building permits. In-lieu fees flow to the Tree Mitigation Fund used for parkway and parks plantings. Enforcement combines stop-work orders, permit denial, and civil penalties. Texas Local Government Code Section 212.905 caps city policies but San Antonio's framework remains comparatively strong.
Unpermitted removal carries fines up to $2,000 per day plus species-specific mitigation owed to the Tree Mitigation Fund. Removing a heritage tree without board-of-adjustment approval triggers stop-work orders, permit denials, and possible Class C misdemeanor citations.
San Antonio, TX
Tree removal permits are required under UDC § 35-477 before any activity that may result in the removal of significant or heritage trees. The City Arborist r...
San Antonio, TX
Heritage trees in San Antonio are defined as any tree measuring 24 inches or more in diameter at breast height (DBH) under UDC § 35-523. Heritage trees must ...
See how San Antonio's protected tree species rules stack up against other locations.
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